54 The Practical Stud Groom. 



legs presented first; 2, one foreleg doubled back under the 

 foaPs belly; 3, head presented, both forelegs doubled back; 

 4, head and all four legs presented; 5, breech and hocks pre- 

 sented; 6, legs and breast presented, head turned back; 7, 

 neck presented, head and forelegs doubled back. 



Of the foregoing list, No. 1 is the only one that will 

 present little difficulty in overcoming; steady manual trac- 

 tion timed to the mare's heaving will usually be successful. 

 If the attendant's examination reveals conclusively either of 

 the last six positions, or if he is unable quite to make out 

 what the exact position is, his duty, in either case, is the 

 same. He should send immediately for the nearest (for 

 every moment is precious) veterinary surgeon, warning him 

 that it is a bad case, so that he may bring chloroform and 

 the necessary instruments with him. While awaiting the 

 surgeon's arrival, the attendant may endeavour to straighten 

 the foal, so long as he finds he is making any progress ; but 

 if he finds all efforts futile, and that he is causing the mare 

 to exhaust herself in vain straining, he had better desist, 

 as the mare will require all her strength before the ordeal is 

 over. 



AN INVERTED UTERUS. 



A serious but fortunately not common mishap is inver- 

 sion of the uterus, which sometimes occurs after foaling, the 

 uterus being turned inside out and hanging from the vulva 

 down to the hocks. It is usually caused by excessive strain- 

 ing on the mare's part after the foal has been expelled. 

 Here, again, a veterinary surgeon's assistance is very desir- 

 able, and if his speedy arrival is assured, all amateur efforts 

 to replace the uterus are best avoided, the attendants con- 

 fining themselves to an endeavour to ensure that the exposed 

 organ does not swell and become foul from inflammation, 



